Hon Speaker, an assembly at Freedom Park today of many monarchs, not only from Africa, but also from other parts of the world, is indeed an historic event. The fact that they have come to honour our icon, uTata Madiba, symbolises a significant link between traditionalism and modernism. It further demonstrates that the system of traditional leadership is not incompatible with modern democracy, as embodied in former President Mandela.
Furthermore, it is essential for us to recognise that in Africa amakhosi are not a mere relic of the past, but a vibrant institution that plays a meaningful leadership and administrative role, especially in rural communities in the local sphere of government. It is precisely at this sphere where conflictual relations between amakhosi and izinduna on the one hand, and municipal councillors on the other, need to be harmonised. I thank you.